By Mark F. Turner

My Horns of Plenty
George Coleman

This reissue of George Coleman's recording My Horns of Plenty is a real treat for those wanting to hear the sheer talent of a lesser known saxophonist. Coleman enjoyed his greatest exposure when Miles Davis, who had a knack for surrounding himself with great musicians, featured him early on in his great '60s quintet. But since then, Coleman's musicianship has not waned. The skill and depth of Coleman's playing is clearly evident on this 1991 reissue. Equally adept on soprano, alto, and tenor saxophone, Coleman possesses a smooth and dynamic presence. With speed and poise he shines on the Billy Strayhorn composition "Lush Life." His tenor is as smooth as butter on the classic "My Romance" and his own compositions give ample room for band members to show their skills on "You Mean So Much To Me." With great tunes, an equally talented band, and an outstanding voice, it's nice to discover a cornucopia of good music on Mr. Coleman's My Horns of Plenty.

Brass Fantasy
Lester Bowie

Big Band and brass horn enthusiasts will more than likely enjoy this reissue of Lester Bowie's Brass Fantasy recording entitled The Odyssey of Funk and Popular Music. Bowie, who died in 1999, made his mark in the world of jazz as a dynamic avant-garde jazz trumpeter with the popular Art Ensemble of Chicago. Bowie formed his Brass Fantasy band in the mid 80's, including up to ten brass instruments with drums.

Odyssey clearly showcases the band's talent and adventurism. Recorded in 1999, the music incorporates pop songs of the 90's with a jazz mentality. With selections by artists such as rap icon Notorious B.I.G., composer Andrew Lloyd Webber, and rock extremist Marilyn Manson, the selections take on new identities that are easily recognized but are also fresh. Examples include the hip hop selection "Next," which features nice rap vocals held against a backdrop of powerful horns; and an uncanny version of Marilyn Manson's "Beautiful People" which swings hard. The mix is at times playful, poignant, aggressive, and shows the range and skill of Bowie's Brass Fantasy. Never cared for the Spice Girls? Well one listen to the soulful "Two Become One," might change your mind.

Birdology: Tribute To Charlie Parker
Various Artists

With this reissue dedicated to the eminent Charlie Parker, affectionately known as Bird, the tribute swings with a style and bebop grace that reflects Parker's vision. Recorded in France in 1989 by some of jazz's elder statesmen, the concert captures the essence of Parker's mood and lyricism. As one might expect, the band and arrangements are tight, but it's the individuality of each voice that really makes the concert memorable.

The set opens with a Jackie McLean composition entitled "Bird Lives" that features an energetic sax and drum solo exchange with the saxophonists and the rhythm machine himself; Roy Haynes. Pianist Duke Jordan delivers nice soloing and comps on the swing-fest "Big Foot", while Cecil Payne's warm baritone sax resonates on "Chasing the Bird" with an ultra cool solo that shows his skill and poise.

The robust and stellar bass skills of Ron Carter are an ever present force that has been the key to many great performances, and this recording is no exception. His walking bass line transforms into a loose solo on the delightful "Yardbird Suite." One of the highlights is the bluesy "Parkers Mood," which features a very nice solo dialogue with McLean, Sickler, Griffin, and Carter. They play with a zeal and enthusiasm that clearly entertains the crowd. Old and new fans alike will enjoy the music on this effort dedicated to the great Charlie Parker.

Coming Home Jamaica
Art Ensemble of Chicago

The Art Ensemble of Chicago is synonymous with eclectic and influential avant-garde jazz. They came into popularity in the '70s and '80s with recordings and concerts that were entertaining, energetic, and unique. This reissue is a good starting place for listeners who want to get an aural picture of music that breathes and moves in vivid color.

Coming Home Jamaica contains elements of blues, gospel, world, and funk that are glued together in the free jazz mode. The musicianship is imbued with soul and shows the creativity and bond that the AEC shared as a unit. Lester Bowie, who was also the leader of the Brass Fantasy band, provides tones ranging from the warm "Villa Tiamo," to the bright, brassy blues of "Grape Escape". Malachi Favors' full bass sound resonates on the melodic "Odwalla Theme" and "Strawberry Mango" with its reggae flavor. Roscoe Mitchell plays an assortment of wind instruments including the piccolo and bamboo saxophone. His solos and phrasing with Bowie on "C Monster" are reminiscent of the great Ornette Coleman and Don Cherry. The master percussionist Famoudou Don Moye delivers a flurry of percussive skill on the opening of "Blue Hole / Mr. Freddy," with African drums that pulsate with ancient rhythm. An added bonus includes 3 newly released tracks: "C Monster," "Villa Tiamo," and "Blue Hole / Mr. Freddy," which are all outstanding.

My Horns of Plenty
Tracks: 1. Lush Life 2. Conrad 3. My Romance 4. The Sheik of Araby 5. You Mean So Much to Me 6. Old Folks
Personnel: George Coleman - Alto, Tenor, Soprano Saxophones; Ray Drummond - Bass; Billy Higgins - Drums; Harold Mabern - Piano

The Odyssey Of Funk & Popular Music
Tracks: 1. The Birth Of The Blues 2. Next 3. Two Become One 4. Don't Cry for Me Argentina 5. Beautiful People 6. In the Still of the Night 7. Notorious Thug 8. Nassun Dorma 9. If You Don't Know Me by Now
Personnel: Lester Bowie - Trumpet; Bob Stewart - Tuba; Luis Bonilla - Trombone; Joseph Bowie - Trombone; Dean Bowman - Vocals; Vincent Chancey - French Horn; Vinnie Johnson - Drums; Victor See-Yuen - Percussion; Gary Valente - Trombone; Gerald Brazel - Trumpet Josh Roseman - Trombone; Ravi Best - Trumpet

Tribute To Charlie Parker
Tracks: 1. Bird Lives 2. Yardbird Suite 3. Parker's Mood 4. Chasing The Bird 5. Big Foot 6. Donna Lee
Personnel: Don Sickler - trumpet; Jackie McLean - alto sax; Johnny Griffin - tenor sax; Cecil Payne - baritone sax Ron Carter - bass; Duke Jordan - piano; Roy Haynes - drums

Coming Home Jamaica
Tracks: 1. Malachi 2. Mama Wants You 3. Jamaica Farewell 4. Strawberry Mango 5. Villa Tiamo 6. C Monster 7. Villa Tiamo 8. Lotta Colada 9. Grape Escape 10. Blue Hole/Mr Freddy 11. Odwalla Theme
Personnel: Lester Bowie - Trumpet, Bass Drums, Flugelhorn; Roscoe Mitchell - Flute, Percussion, Chimes, Gong, Piccolo, Sax (Alto), Sax (Baritone), Sax (Soprano), Sax (Tenor), Whistle, Bells, Sopranino, Wood Block, Bamboo Flute, Bamboo Saxophone; Malachi Favors - Bass, Percussion, Whistle, Bells; Famoudou Don Moye - Percussion, Bongos, Conga, Drums, Maraccas, Tambourine, Timbales, Bells, Chekere, Bendir, Bass Drum